When your quarterback is Troy Smith and you line up opposite Ted Ginn Jr. it is hard to make a name for yourself. Yet that is exactly what Anthony Gonzalez did over the past two seasons at Ohio State. On a team full of playmakers, "Gonzo" became known as the guy who would make the big catch.

"Thursday, Gonzalez announced he would be taking those pass-catching skills along with his hyperbolic tent to the next level. A redshirt junior, Gonzalez would undoubtedly have been a captain on next year's team, but instead No. 11 will fore go his senior season and make himself eligible for the 2007 NFL draft.

This was the most difficult decision of my life," Gonzalez said, choking back tears. "When I woke up this morning I was a little unsure, but after one more conversation with coach (Darrell) Hazell and one more with my dad I knew it was the right decision."

Gonzalez insisted that the Buckeyes devastating defeat at the hands of Florida in the BCS National Championship game had little to do with his decision.

"Initially my reaction after the game was that I have to come back," Gonzalez said. "But it's never good to make decisions like this based on emotion. You have to get a grip on reality and decide what is actually best."